Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Loose Wet and Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeEase into terrain and watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks or recent avalanches. Fresh snow may become sensitive to triggering upon seeing the sun poke out for the first time.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: A trace of snow. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high around -8 °C.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Flurries up to 5 cm in Haines Pass. Light to moderate southeast wind. Alpine high around -6 °C.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine high around -5 °C.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine high around -5 °C.
Avalanche Summary
Observations since the storm has been limited by poor visibility but preliminary reports indicate minimal natural avalanche activity. Along the Skagway-White Pass highway, only one path ran naturally during the storm and subsequent explosive control work produced minimal results.
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Snowpack Summary
Around 50 cm of new and recent snow is settling and bonding well. Redistribution of low density surface snow by wind is likely in wind exposed terrain features.
A couple of sun crusts exist in the upper snowpack but none have been identified as layers of particular concern. The lower snowpack is thought to be well protected by the dense, wind-pressed layers above, and it is unlikely that avalanches will be triggered on weak, sugary crystals near the ground at this time.
Terrain and Travel
- Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
Problems
Loose Wet
Small loose wet avalanches can be expected out of steep south-facing terrain features if the sun comes out.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
20-40 cm of new snow is settling into a slab, aided by wind and mild temperatures. Storm slabs may be triggerable, particularly in wind-affected terrain features. Loose dry avalanches are possible where the recent snow hasn't formed a slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 24th, 2022 4:00PM